IMPHAL, April 11: Demanding halt to the proposed construction of Mapithel Dam at Thoubal River adjoining Thoubal and Ukhrul district to be constructed under Irrigation & Flood Control Department (IFCD) claiming it will threaten existence of the indigenous peoples, locals took out a protest rally from Nongpok Sekmai to Ukhongsang, Thoubal district today.
The rally was organized by North East Dialogue Forum in collaboration with Life Development Foundation, Nongpok Semai; Social Welfare Development Centre, Nongpok Sekmai; People`™s Action for Development, Ukhongsang; PPS and SDF, Ukhongsang.
Placards which read such as `Stop construction of Mapithel Dam`™, `Save live of indigenous people`™, `Thoubal River should not be affected`™, `Save future generation`™ etc were used by the protesters.
Speaking to newspersons, Sobita, secretary of WAD questioned as to what kind of benefit the people and farmers gets from major dams like Khuga Dam and Ithai Dam constructed by the government in the name of development.
She alleged that the government kept concealed the adverse affects resulted from the construction of the dams in different parts.
Lamenting that large area of arable land had been destroyed due to the construction of the dams, she pointed out that a large number of migrants workers are brought to the state for employing in the construction of dams.
Construction of dam and implementation of projects in the name of development should be not at the cost of livelihood of farmers. It is only contractors and influential persons who will be benefitted from such projects, Sobita said.
Stating that arable lands in Chadong and Louphong village have been flooded following blockage of Thoubal River in order to allow passage of water through the reservoir of Mapithel Dam, she expressed apprehension on the possibility of submergence of several villages including Lamlai Khunou if the water level goes on increasing.
Artificial flood had also been created in Tumukhong, Etham Moirangpurel and several villages in Thoubal owing to the blockage of Thoubal River, she rued.
Slamming the government for failing to fulfil the demands of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers`™ Organization (MDAVO) which are all genuine, she demanded the government to immediately forbid the construction of Mapithel Dam in the interest of the people.